ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA issues Revised Guidelines for Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
In furtherance to Government of India’s policy of zero tolerance for crime and in an endeavor to fast track the dispensation of justice, the Ministry of Home Affairs  has taken steps to enhance and streamline the process of international mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The MHA has issued Revised Guidelines for Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters in December 2019. The revised guidelines can be accessed here.
The revised guidelines provide step-by-step guidance to the investigation agencies for drafting and processing Letters Rogatory / Mutual Legal Assistance Requests and Service of Summons, Notices & other Judicial Documents. By incorporating various legal and technological developments in the recent years, it aims to make the documentation in this regard more precise and focused as well as compliant with International requirements.
The guidelines have also taken into account the concerns raised by various courts for prompt and timely responses in service of documents on persons residing abroad. As an initiative, the revised guidelines have provision for service of documents on authorities of foreign country preferably within 10 days of receipt of request in respect of offences committed against women and children.
Training in mutual legal assistance in criminal matters has also been taken up for investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers.
The transnational nature of crime and digital explosion has blurred geographical boundaries for criminal activities. Availability of evidence and criminals outside the sovereign jurisdiction of countries has necessitated the transformation of scope and nature of conventional investigation.
India has entered into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties/ Agreements with 42 countries and is signatory to various international conventions i.e. UNCAC, UNTOC etc. The Ministry of Home Affairs  is the designated ‘Central Authority’ for India. Generally, assistance is sought and received in the form of Mutual Legal Assistance Requests/Letters Rogatory and Service of Summons/Notices/Judicial documents on persons residing abroad.
In order to streamline the process of rendering/ seeking such assistance, MHA had issued guidelines regarding investigation abroad & issue of Letters Rogatory  in 2007 & regarding Service of Summons/Notices/ Judicial process on the persons residing abroad in 2009.
Over the decade, there have been substantial changes in International Cooperation based on new legislations, regulations & conventions and amendment in procedural laws all over the world including India. These changes necessitated the need for comprehensive review of existing guidelines to keep them abreast the modern era requirements.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister meets with Mr. Tarek Heggy, renowned Egyptian author and petroleum strategist
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi met with Mr. Tarek Heggy, renowned Egyptian author and petroleum strategist on 24 June 2023, in Cairo.
Discussions between the two covered issues related to global geopolitics, energy security, radicalism and gender equality.
Election Commission
Voter Awareness Forums for promoting awareness on electoral process
Voter Awareness Forums will be set up in Ministries, Government Departments, Non-Government Departments and other Institutions to promote electoral awareness. Election Commission of India will be briefing the Nodal Officers of Ministries, Government of India and a representative from Federations on 16th January 2019 at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi.
Similar briefing sessions are being held across the country by the Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers on the same day where nodal officers of Departments, Non-Govt Departments, CSOs, Corporate and Media Houses in the State and District are being briefed respectively.
Voter Awareness Forums are informal Forums for generating awareness around electoral process through activities like discussions, quizzes, competitions and other engaging activities. All employees of the Organisation are expected to become members of the VAF with the Head of the Organisation acting as Chair of VAF.
VAF is part of the Electoral Literacy Club programme of ECI. Launched on the 8th National Voters Day, 25th January 2018, the ELC programme envisages setting up of Electoral Literacy Club in every educational institution and Chunav Pathshala at every booth to cover those outside the formal education system. Around 2.11 Lakh ELCs have already been established across the country in the first year of the launch of the programme.
The ELCs and Chunav Pathshala activities are conducted by the Convener using a resource Guide where step by step instructions are given for conducting each activity. Separate Resource books have been developed for Class IX, X, XI and XII. A calendar of activities in a year has also be indicated. Total of 6-8 activities, with specific learning outcome, running into approximately 4 hours in all, have been identified for each class.
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Ministry of Electronics & IT
SEMI intent to support the India Semiconductor Mission 
Ministry of Electronics and IT  announced the exchange of signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering  at the Indian Institute of Science , Bengaluru and Lam Research India at the ongoing SemiconIndia in Gandhinagar today.
The SEMI today announced its intent to support the India Semiconductor Mission  in creating a vibrant semiconductor manufacturing and design ecosystem in India. The collaboration would build on the successful execution of ISM’s SemiconIndia’s two editions and continue SEMI’s tradition of bringing stakeholders in the end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem together. An MOU is under development.
The announcement was made in the presence of Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MeitY Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, President SEMI Shri Ajit Manocha and senior officials of the Government and Industries.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Saurav Ghosal for winning bronze medal in Birmingham CWG 2022
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated squash player, Saurav Ghosal for winning bronze medal in Birmingham CWG 2022.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"It is a delight to see @SauravGhosal scaling new heights of success. The Bronze medal he’s won in Birmingham is a very special one. Congratulations to him. May his achievements help boost the popularity of squash among India’s youth."
Ministry of Railways
ALOK BOHRA, ECoR NEW PRINCIPAL CHIEF SECURITY COMMISSIONER/RPF
Shri Alok Bohra has taken over the charge of Principal Chief Security Commissioner , East Coast Railway, recently. He joined the Indian Railways from the 1997 batch of IRPF Services. Prior to the new posting, he was working as General Manager  in Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited, a PSU of Govt of India, Ministry of Railways on deputation. He also worked in various posts in Railway Protection Force. Shri Alok Bohra also received many awards like Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2018 and Director General  Insignia in 2005 and many others in his career due to his devotion to his duties. ECoR expects that Bohra shall keep Security at his top priority.
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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of Aids and Assistive devices to Divyangjan and Senior Citizens.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar on his visit to Dimapur virtually attended ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ under the ADIP Scheme and to Senior citizens under ‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’  Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The Distribution Camp which was being conducted in Kiphire District was organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  in association with ALIMCO and District Administration Kiphire at commissionerate campus.
Addressing virtually from Dimapur the chief guest Dr. Virendra Kumar said that under the leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister central Government has implemented various welfare schemes for developing an inclusive society and empowerment of persons with disabilities and senior citizens of the country. Informing about the implementation of various schemes by his Ministry in the state of Nagaland Minister informed that Scholarship worth Rs.8.71 Crore has been disbursed among 71 Divyangjan, out of total 1752 UDID cards 1586 UDID cards have been made, he urged the State authorities to expedite completion of the balanced cards in the state.
Union Minister emphasised on Skill training programme for empowerment of Divyangjan and brings them in the mainstream of society for overall development of the country. Informing about various initiatives taken for Divyangjan Union Minister informed Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is another flagship program of Government. He informed that fund of Rs.8.28 crore have been released for the State of Nagaland for making 29 government buildings accessible under the Accessible India campaign. Union Minister instructed that assessment camps may be conducted at various locations of Kiphire to cover maximum number of beneficiaries.
Various category of Aids and Assistive devices like Wheelchair, Hearing Aids, MSIED Kit, Smart Cane, Braile Kit were distributed among 37 Divyangjan and Senior Citizens beneficiaries who were assessed during assessment camps organized by ALIMCO in the Kiphire.
Shri. T. Wati Aier, Deputy Commissioner, Khipre presented a detail information about the work and implementation of Schemes taken up by District Administration for welfare of Divyangjan and Senior Citizens.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Success is a habit for her
India’s ace shuttler P.V. Sindhu has become a household name after she created history in the Tokyo Olympics-2020. She became the first Indian female athlete to get back to back medals in Olympics. Earlier, she had won a silver medal in the Rio Olympics. Maintaining the same winning streak, Sindhu bagged the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics after defeating He Bingjiao of China 21- 13, 21-15.
Sindhu has already been making India proud through her stellar performances whether it is World Championship or the Olympics. She has made success her habit and her journey is still on. Imagine the value of the badminton racket with which Sindhu created history. It is priceless, no doubt. But anybody can own that racket. Yes, you heard it right. You can be part of the invaluable racket in the interest of the nation.
After mesmerizing the nation through her performance in the Olympics, Sindhu presented her racket to Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after her return to India. As you are aware the e-auction of the gifts received by the Prime Minister has started. And Sindhu’s racket has also been included in the list of items that are being auctioned. This e-auction which began on September 17 will continue till October 7. You can be a proud owner of the racket of the famed shuttler. All you need to do is to participate in the e-auction by simply logging on to www.pmmementos.gov.in. The base price of Sindhu's racket has been kept at Rs. 80 lakhs.
The gifts received by the Prime Minister have also been auctioned in the past. The last time such an auction took place was in 2019. The government had received Rs 15.13 crore in that auction. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire amount was deposited in 'Namami Gange Kosh' to make Ganga clean and pure. This time also the auction proceeds will go to 'Namami Gange Kosh'.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
Punjab has contributed 166.97 LMT which is 70.66% of total Paddy Procurement
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, TamilNadu, Chandigarh, J&K, Kerala, Gujarat & Andhra Pradesh with purchase of over 236.30 LMTs of paddy upto 05.11.2020 against the last year corresponding purchase of 197.60 lac MT showing an increase of 19.58 % over last year. Out of the total purchase of 236.29 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 166.97 LMT which is70.66% of total procurement.
About 19.98 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 44612.89 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 45.10 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 05.11.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 27,105.64 MT of Moong, Urad, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.145.68 Crores benefitting 16387 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan as against the last year corresponding purchase of 15699.90 MT which is an increase of 72.64% for pulses and oilseeds.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs. 52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 5.11.2020 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. Till 05.11.2020 a quantity of 909659 cotton bales valuing Rs.263613 lakh has been procured benefitting 175184 farmers
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- 210.58 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- 27,17,979 doses administered in last 24 hours
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 96,442
- Active cases stand at 0.22%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.59%
- 10,677 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
- 4,37,44,301
- 10,649 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 88.35 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,07,096 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Press Information Bureau
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Government of India
Special Service and Features
Foreign Currencyand gold worthRs32.55 lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs.One arrested.
Based on information one Nouffar,28, of Ramanathapuram, and two lady passengers SaburFathima, 44 of Chennai and Thilsath, 39 of Trichy were intercepted on suspicion of carrying gold in departure terminal after they had cleared Immigration and were proceeding towards security hold area to board Fly Dubai flight FZ8518 bound for Dubai. On examination of back pack ofNouffar, a wallet was found inside from which 2800 US dollars were recovered and on further search 2500 Saudi Riyals , 3500 EURO and 4000 Swiss Franc were found concealed by ingeniously folding in white paper inside totally valued at Rs 8.86 lakhs. He was arrested as had a previous offence registered against him. On personal examination of ladies 11000 US dollars wrapped with adhesive tape were found concealed insidetheir underwear and 6200 USDwere recovered from their handbags.
20000 US Dollars ,2500 Saudi Riyals, 3500 Euros , and 4000 Swiss Franctotally valued at Rs21.30lakhs were recovered and seized under Customs Act read with Foreign Exchange Management  Regulations, 2015.
In another case one Mohamed Amsath, 33, of Chennai who arrived from Dubai by Fly Dubai flight FZ8517 was intercepted at exit. On personal search one gold paste bundle weighing 260 grams was recovered from rectum which on extraction yielded 220 grams of gold valued Rs. 11.25 lakhs and same was seized under Customs Act.
Further investigation is under process, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Angola for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Electronics and Information Technology
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  the between India and Angola for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Electronics and Information Technology.
The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation in the areas of e-Governance, HRD for IT education, Information Security, Electronics Hardware manufacturing, IT embedded Software industry, Telemedicine etc.
Background:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  has been mandated to promote international cooperation in the emerging and frontier areas of Information and Communications Technology  under bilateral and regional framework of cooperation. MeitY has entered into MoUs/Agreements with counterpart organizations/ agencies of various countries to promote close cooperation and exchange of information in the area of ICT. To further enhance cooperation with various countries, particularly in view of the new initiatives taken by Government of India like "Digital India", "Make in India" etc., there is an increased need for exploring business opportunities in the technology sector which are of interest.
MeitY negotiated a comprehensive MoU for a focussed cooperation in ICT areas such as in e-Governance, HRD for IT education, Information Security, Electronics Hardware manufacturing, IT embedded Software industry, Telemedicine etc. After negotiations the draft MoU was finalised and signed during the visit of Hon'ble Minister of State for External Affairs Mr. M.J. Akbar on behalf of MeitY, Government of India and Mr. Domingos Custodio Vieira Lopes, Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, on behalf of Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, Government of Angola.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Department of Pharmaceuticals releases “Common Guidelines on Pharmaceutical Innovation and Entrepreneurship” for academic institutions
The Vision of the Department of Pharmaceuticals is to promote Indian pharma sector as the global leader for quality medicines and to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability of drugs and medical devices in the country. One of the measures to achieve the vision is to concentrate on Research & Development and innovation. In order to achieve the same, the Department, amongst various other measures, has set up seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research  as institutes of national importance all across the country for imparting quality education and conducting high-end research.
NIPERs have recently launched a common Research portal for industry and researchers and have also prepared a Common Research Programme based on the national needs and their own expertise and facilities. The department is also soon coming up with a ‘Policy to catalyze Research & Development and Innovation in the Pharma- MedTech Sector in India’.
In order to encourage innovation and research and to facilitate the entrepreneurship in NIPERs, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, after considering the National Innovation &Startup Policy 2019, National IPR Policy 2016 and similar policies of other institutes/ departments has prepared ‘Common Guidelines on Pharmaceutical Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ for academic institutions under its control. The policy aims to transform the academic research into innovative and commercially applicable technologies/products; build strong ecosystem for nurturing creativity and entrepreneurial activities and contribute to self-reliant India mission .
The Policy Guidelines aims to:
- Encourages the faculty/staff members and students to pursue entrepreneurship;
- Formulate policies & foster an ecosystem to generate ideas across disciplines that can be transformed into successful technologies, products, and services;
- Establish a mechanism for technology development and technology transfer;
- Create institutional framework for effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the policy; and
- Promote pharmaceutical innovation and entrepreneurship to foster the unmet therapeutic, socially impactful technologies delivering benefits to mankind
These Policy Guidelines, finalized with approval of the Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers have been forwarded to all NIPERs for taking up further steps for their speedy and effective implementation.
Ministry of Defence
DIAT develops Virus Neutraliser Face Mask using ayurvedic based biodegradables in form of Nanofibres
Mumbai/Pune, 15 June 2020
Defence Institute of Advanced Technology  has developed biodegradable face mask based on Nanofibres of Ayurvedic products which acts a virus neutraliser and resist the bacteria and has named it “Pavitrapati”. The mask made from herbal extracts like Neem Oil, Turmeric, Krishna Tulsi, Ajwain, Black Pepper, Gum Arabic, Clove, Sandalwood, Saffron in the fibre that provides antibacterial and anti viral properties. Keeping in view of the Ministry of Ayush guidelines, “Pavitrapati” uses additives from immunity boosting agents for self-care. The product is antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral, porous, superhydrophobic , hydrophilic  and biodegradable. This technology has proved that non-woven membrane between the woven fabrics supports to block droplets, splashes, sprays, bacteria and viruses. This product shall be used routinely as a mask to protect from any type of communicable diseases through air-borne medium.
The product was tested for air permeability / breathability as per ASTM D-737 standard, nanofibre mat porosity, biodegradability, and mechanical properties as per ASTM standards.
The 3-layered mask provides antiviral potential because of the interaction of extract to inhibit viral neutralization. The product will be extended for infection prevention and control measures as Personal Protective Equipment  and for waste management materials. This will consists of garments, gloves, gown, face protection, head cover etc. The product is foldable, and can be used as a mask in clean rooms of various classes. The fabricated samples were tested to understand the de-naturing capability of the protein molecules by NMR, and the results demonstrated that the natural herbal extracts interacted and de-natured the aminoacids. DIAT has decided to offer this technology free for cost to potential manufacturers and many firms have shown interest for the same.Mahesh Iyengar/PIB Pune/DR